Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.

Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.

Abstract: A multi-layered fiber including a core, a first layer, and a second layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The first layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second layer is disposed on at least a portion of the first layer and contains a second polymer. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The viscosity of the second polymer is not greater than about 10 percent of the viscosity of the first polymer measured at 170° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating on a surface, including a carrier and a plurality of flakes dispersed therein. The flakes are oriented quasi-normally to the surface and have grooves extending quasi-parallel to the surface, wherein the plurality of flakes forms at least 50% of all grated flakes in the coating. The invention also relates to a method of aligning the flakes using external fields of different orientations.

Abstract: A sport racket string includes a string which is a solid string and multiple recesses are defined in an outer surface of the string. The recesses include different sizes, depths and shapes, and are located in pre-determined ways such as lines so as to increase the friction between the balls and the string. The strings of the present invention are light in weight and allow the users to control the balls efficiently.

Abstract: An optical fiber preform comprising a plurality of longitudinal air holes is subjected to a thermal treatment (i.e., heating), coupled with the application of a compressive force on either end of the heated preform to compress the entire preform structure a predetermined amount. The thermal compression treatment has been found to smooth any roughened glass surfaces and heal microcracks that may have formed during the preform fabrication process, essentially “knitting” the glass material back together and forming a preform of improved quality over the prior art microstructured preforms.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, having a belt formed from individual threads which are connected together, in particular woven together, whereby the surface of the threads is constructed to be structured in order to improve the paper quality and the production flow.

Abstract: An aramid fiber and a method of producing the same is disclosed, which is capable of realizing high surface uniformity and improved tensile strength and elongation property, wherein the method comprises preparing an aromatic polyamide by polymerizing aromatic diamine with aromatic diacid halide; preparing a spinning dope by dissolving the aromatic polyamide in a solvent; and extruding the spinning dope through a spinneret, and sequentially passing the spinning dope through an air gap, a coagulation bath filled with a coagulation solution, and a coagulation tube having a jet opening, connected with the bottom of the coagulation bath, to obtain a filament wherein a distance from the upper surface of the coagulation solution contained in the coagulation bath to the jet opening of the coagulation tube is within a range between 10 and 35 mm.

Abstract: Readily-fibrillable fibers of PVA polymer, having good chemical resistance, hydrophilicity, weather resistance and water resistance have a flattened cross-sectional profile and have a mean thickness D (?m) that satisfies the following formula (1): 0.4?D?5??(1) wherein D=S/L; S indicates the cross-section area (?m2) of the fibers; and L indicates the length (?m) of the major side of the cross section of the fibers. The fibers can be used for making nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fiber or an article suitable for use in defending against a biological or a chemical contaminant, and the fiber or article resulting from the method thereof, is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a fiber such as a capillary-channeled fiber with a surface having grooves or channels thereon and modifying the surface of the fiber with an active agent so as to provide the fiber with the ability to defend against a biological or a chemical contaminant.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill or a cryogenic grinding mill.

Abstract: A flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair, which is obtained by melt spinning a composition as a mixture of 100 parts by weight of (A) a polyester made of one or more of polyalkylene terephthalate and a copolymer polyester comprising polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component with 5 to 30 parts by weight of (B) a brominated epoxy flame retardant. The present invention also relates to the polyester fiber for artificial hair which has at least one modified cross-section, is a mixture with a fiber having a modified cross-section, and has a mixing ratio of the fiber having a round cross-section to the fiber having a modified cross-section is 8:2 to 1:9, and to the flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair which further comprises a hydrophilic fiber treating agent attached thereto, and thus has excellent smooth feeling, combing properties, and flame retardance.

Abstract: A flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair, which is obtained by melt spinning a composition as a mixture of 100 parts by weight of (A) a polyester made of one or more of polyalkylene terephthalate and a copolymer polyester comprising polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component with 5 to 30 parts by weight of (B) a brominated epoxy flame retardant. The present invention also relates to the polyester fiber for artificial hair which has at least one modified cross-section, is a mixture with a fiber having a modified cross-section, and has a mixing ratio of the fiber having a round cross-section to the fiber having a modified cross-section is 8:2 to 1:9, and to the flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair which further comprises a hydrophilic fiber treating agent attached thereto, and thus has excellent smooth feeling, combing properties, and flame retardance.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with flash-spinning a surface-modified structure such as a plexifilimentary yarn or a microcellular foam.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a solid core fibrillation-resistant, synthetic polymeric filament having three substantially equal length convex sides. The sides through substantially rounded tips centered by a distance “a” from the axis of the filament. Each rounded tip has a radius substantially equal to a length “b”. Each tip lies on a circumscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length (a+b) and the midpoint of each side lies on an inscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length “c”. The filament has a denier-per-filament in the range 10<“dpf”<35; the distance “a” lies in the range 0.00025 inches (6 micrometers)<“a”<0.004 inches (102 micrometers); the distance “b” lies in the range from 0.00008 inches (2 micrometers)<“b”<0.001 inches (24 micrometers); the distance “c” lies in the range from 0.0003 inches (8 micrometers)<“c”<0.0025 inches (64 micrometers); and the modification ratio (“MR”) lies in the range from about 1.1<“MR”<about 2.0.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a solid core fibrillation-resistant, synthetic polymeric filament having three substantially equal length convex sides. The sides through substantially rounded tips centered by a distance “a” from the axis of the filament. Each rounded tip has a radius substantially equal to a length “b”. Each tip lies on a circumscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length (a+b) and the midpoint of each side lies on an inscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length “c”. The filament has a denier-per-filament in the range 10<“dpf”<35; the distance “a” lies in the range 0.00025 inches (6 micrometers)<“a”<0.004 inches (102 micrometers); the distance “b” lies in the range from 0.00008 inches (2 micrometers)<“b”<0.001 inches (24 micrometers); the distance “c” lies in the range from 0.0003 inches (8 micrometers)<“c”<0.0025 inches (64 micrometers); and the modification ratio (“MR”) lies in the range from about 1.1<“MR”< about 2.0.

Abstract: Unique PTFE structures comprising islands of PTFE attached to an underlying expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) structure and to methods of making such structures is disclosed. The ePTFE material may or may not have been exposed to amorphous locking temperatures. These unique structures exhibit islands of PTFE attached to and raised above the expanded PTFE structures.

Abstract: The invention generally provides gypsum-containing slurries including stucco, naphthalenesulfonate dispersant, and pregelatinized starch. The naphthalenesulfonate dispersant is present in an amount of about 0.1%-3.0% by weight based on the weight of dry stucco. The pregelatinized starch is present in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight up to about 10% by weight of pregelatinized starch by weight based on the weight of dry stucco in the formulation. Other slurry additives can include trimetaphosphate salts, accelerators, binders, paper fiber, glass fiber, and other known ingredients. The invention also comprises the gypsum-containing products made with such slurries, for example, gypsum wallboard, and a method of making gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of applying Lotus Effect materials as a (superhydrophobicity) protective coating for external electrical insulation system applications, as well as the method of fabricating/preparing Lotus Effect coatings. Selected inorganic or polymeric materials are applied on the insulating material surface, and stable superhydrophobic coatings can be fabricated. Various UV stabilizers and UV absorbers can be incorporated into the coating system to enhance the coating's UV stability.

Abstract: Photonic crystal fibers include a plurality of extruded non-circular canes, each of the extruded non-circular canes comprising at least one hole. Methods for manufacturing photonic crystal fibers include hot-forming a glass material into a glass tube having a non-circular outer cross-section, drawing the glass tube to obtain a plurality of canes, stacking the canes to create a preform build and drawing the preform build to obtain a photonic crystal fiber.

Abstract: A superconducting tape is disclosed, including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate including a plurality of indicia provided on the first surface spaced apart along a length of the substrate; and a superconductor layer overlying the second surface. Also disclosed are components incorporating superconducting tapes, methods for manufacturing same, and methods for using same.

Abstract: This invention relates to multi-component fibers made of at least 40 weight percent, and preferably over 50 weight percent of one or more high chain length polyamides. The fibers have both a high tear strength and good tensile strength. The fibers can be used to produce woven and non-woven articles having excellent toughness.

Abstract: Opaque flakes, such as pigment or bright flake used in paints and inks, have a selected shape and/or other indicia to provide a covert security feature to an object. In some embodiments the composition includes base pigment, and the opaque covert flakes match the visual characteristics of the base pigment. In another embodiment, opaque covert flakes are mixed in the carrier with base pigment at a concentration sufficient to avoid changing the appearance of the composition. In another embodiment, opaque covert flakes are mixed in a clear or tinted varnish base that can be applied over an existing security feature. Shaped opaque covert flakes are not readily detectable by causal observation, but in some embodiments are easily seen at 50× magnification. In manufacturing the flakes a sheet of embossed frames are provided having symbols or indicia within; upon removing a coating from the sheet the coating material tends to break along frame lines and the resulting flakes are substantially uniform in size.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a continuous filament by electrospinning, and a continuous filament manufactured thereby. Electrospun nano fibers 4 are collected on a collector 7 by electrically spinning a polymer spinning dope in a spinning dope main tank 1 onto the collector 7, which is a disk-shaped conductive material with a high voltage applied thereto and which rotates at a rotational linear velocity of 5 m/sec or more, through nozzles 2 having a high voltage applied thereto, and then the nano fiber 4 collected on the collector 7 are prepared in the form of a continuous filament by use of a collecting roller 11, and then the nano fibers 4 are (I) put in a canvas 14 through a traverse 13, or (II) dried, drawn, and wound consecutively.

Abstract: Unique PTFE structures comprising islands of PTFE attached to an underlying expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) structure and to methods of making such structures is disclosed. The ePTFE material may or may not have been exposed to amorphous locking temperatures. These unique structures exhibit islands of PTFE attached to and raised above the expanded PTFE structures.

Abstract: A yarn for strands of an artificial turf ground cover, including a tape filament (4) having a core layer (8) and two outer layers (9) of a different material than the core layer (8), each on one of two opposite sides of the core layer. The core layer (8) contains at least polyester or polyolefin material, and the outer layers (9) contain high-density polyethylene. An artificial turf ground cover and a playing field including such a yarn and a method for producing such a yarn are also described. The high-density polyethylene has a relatively small coefficient of friction with the human skin and the yarn has a good shape recovery after deformation in spite of containing HDPE in outer layers.

Abstract: An artificial hair which is composed of synthetic fibers such as acrylic fibers or vinyl chloride fibers and which is characterized in that the cross section of each fiber has a shape consisting of one major axis and at least two minor axes nearly perpendicular to the major axis and that the single-fiber fineness is 25 to 70 dtex. This artificial hair is soft to the touch and bulky (voluminous) to impart a good feel to hair accessories and exhibits excellent combing properties and braidability, thus giving hair accessories (such as wigs, hairpieces, braids, extension hair and doll hair) which have excellent feel and settability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting wire (2) which is designed to trim or cut vegetation and which can be used on rotating head devices, such as brush cutters and edge trimmers. The external surface of the cutting wire is provided with tooth-type (5) or similar formations along the length of said wire (2). In the case of a wire having one or more longitudinal cutting edges (4), said tooth-type formations (5) are disposed on the cutting edge(s) along the length of each edge (4). In this way, the sharpness of the wire (2) is improved.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides an organic-inorganic hybrid structure having nanoparticles attached to the surface thereof, wherein the structure comprises a self-assembled structure of a coordination polymer, which includes a metal-organic ligand complex, as well as a preparation method thereof. According to the invention, through the use of the self-assembly phenomenon of coordination polymer and the use of nanoparticles having a surface component, which is the same as or similar to that of the surface of the coordination polymer, an organic-inorganic hybrid structure, which has nanoparticles attached to the surface of a self-assembled structure of coordination polymer, can be prepared in a relatively simple process without needing several steps.

Abstract: Synthetic staple fibers having good air opening property and useful for producing an air-laid nonwoven fabric having excellent quality, have a fiber length of 0.1 to 45 mm and a cross-sectional profile having 1 to 30 concavities, in which cross-sectional profile the ratio D/L, of a largest depth D of each concavity to a largest width L of the opening of the concavity, is in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5.

Abstract: The core/casing-fibre consists of plastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene or a mixture of these raw materials or other thermoplastic polymers. The fibre diameter is 0.15 to 2.0 mm and the core/casing-fibre in a continuous or intermittent manner has a structured surface. This is produced by an embossing (5) which designed in a single-sided or multi-sided manner, and its depth is at least 10% of the average fibre diameter. The embossing (5) may be designed in a transverse or diagonal manner or in another shape to the fibre course, but in any case is incorporated after a stretching of the fibre by the factor 5 to 15. The core/casing-fibre is cut in section of 10 to 80 mm and grouped together into bundles of several thousand and wrapped in a water-soluble plastic film. Such fibres are used for increasing the tensile strength, for improving the post-failure behaviour or generally for the mechanical reinforcement in cement-bonded building materials, in particular concrete.

Abstract: A filament or fiber (2) comprising a volume modulation coloration producing substance (6); containment means (8) for containing the substance in the form of an elongated core which containment means is at least partially light transmitting; and stimulation means (4) for stimulating the substance to produce a change in the volume of the substance, thereby changing the color of the filament or fiber.

Abstract: A thermal insulating material which can be efficiently produced while the content of organic matters, such as organic fibers and/or an organic binder, is reduced to the same or lower degree as compared with the thermal insulating material used in a conventional pollution control device (e.g., catalytic converter), and which can be applied to a pollution control element (e.g., catalytic element) while avoiding, as much as possible, an unpleasant feeling to the operator. A thermal insulating material comprising a thermal insulating material body formed of a bulk material of inorganic fibers, and a coating provided on at least one surface of said thermal insulating material body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductive resin film comprising a conductive substrate layer and a low-resistance layer with a volume resistance of 0.1 to 1.0 ?cm including a fine carbon fiber and a resin in a thickness direction on at least one of its outermost layer. This film exhibits good conductivity even with a low mixing rate of the conductive material and good acid resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite film comprising a layer of an organic polymer, wherein the organic polymer is an elastomer; the organic polymer having an elastic modulus of less than or equal to about 105 Pascals when measured at room temperature; and a bundle of carbon fibers disposed in the layer of organic polymer; each bundle comprising a column and an end face; each bundle also having a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the column and passes through the center of the column; the end face of the carbon fiber bundle intercalated with nitrate ions and fibrillated so as to have a surface area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is about 110% to about 250% greater than the surface area of a cross-section of the carbon fiber bundle measured at the column.

Abstract: The polypropylene-based thermoplastic fibers are uniform in cross-section, not having any degraded surface skin, and they are heat-weldable at a pressure at a temperature which is lower than the melting temperature, by virtue of internal heating due to the effect of said pressure. They are made of a first constituent with high crystallinity and at least one second constituent, compatible with the first constituent, and of crystallinity that is lower than that of the first constituent. They have a quantity of primary oxidation inhibitor lying in the range 350 ppm to 1000 ppm. Such fibers are made by spinning under conditions that avoid molecular degradation by thermal oxidation at the periphery of the fibers, in particular with cooling that is rapid immediately on leaving the extrusion head. The non-woven fabric obtained by heat-bonding such fibers is characterized by weld points that are in the form of a polymer laminate that is uniform and transparent.

Abstract: Extensible bicomponent fibers and webs particularly adapted for disposable personal care product component applications. Sheath/core configurations providing desirable feel properties for elastic embodiments when compared with conventional elastic fibers and webs are obtained with specific olefin polymer combinations and sheath configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-absorbent polymer composite and composition thereof comprising a water-absorbent polymer particle and two or more fibers, wherein said polymer particle has a substantially spherical shape, at least one of said two or more fibers is partially wrapped in the polymer particle and partially exposed to outside the particle, and at least one of said two or more fibers is unwrapped in the polymer particle and partially adhered to a surface of the polymer particle. This water-absorbent polymer composite is characterized in that the fibers are stably fixed to the water-absorbent polymer not only in dry but also in wet through water absorption for swelling, the water-absorbent polymer content can be enlarged relative to the fibers, the polymer can be uniformly fixed to the fibers, the composite is flexible and can be thinned, opened and mixed with any other material uniformly.

Abstract: Stretched articles, such as oriented polymeric films or fibers, having microstructure features on at least one surface thereof, and processes for making such articles, are disclosed. A method of making fibers comprises forming a polymeric film having a body having a first surface and a second surface and having a longitudinal dimension. The film also comprises a plurality of elongate microstructure features disposed on the first surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, wherein the elongate microstructure features are substantially parallel. The method further comprises stretching the polymeric film in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, and fibrillating the stretched polymeric film along the longitudinal dimension of the body to provide one or more fibers, wherein each fiber has at least one microstructure feature thereon.

Abstract: Structure, methodology and performance involving and utilizing body armor strand material which includes an elongate strand body possessing elongate brittle ceramic surface structure, elongate ductile core structure disposed within that surface structure, and elongate brittle/ductile transition structure operatively interposed and joining the surface and core structures. Methodology includes the steps of preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a textured tie wire product, and more particularly to rebar tying applications, bundling, and packaging applications. The invention also relates to methods of making textured tie wire products.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive force includes removing a seta from a living specimen, attaching the seta to a substrate, and applying the seta to a surface so as to establish an adhesive force between the substrate and the surface. The seta is applied to the surface with a force perpendicular to the surface. The seta is then pulled with a force parallel to the surface so as to preload the adhesive force of the seta.

Abstract: A cutting line for brush-cutting, edge-trimming and similar has a generally circular cross-section and, on its periphery, has a plurality of notches spaced apart by a distance of between 12 and 19 mm approximately and aligned along at least one direction parallel to an axis of the line, the length of the notches, measured along the line, being substantially shorter than the spacing distance. The cutting line permits a reduction in the operating noise of vegetation cutting devices such as edge-trimmers, brush-cutters, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of toughening and reinforcing brittle matrix materials, and more specifically to the structural fibers made from an oriented film, which enhance the toughness of matrix materials such as concrete, cement, and other cementitious products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a hook strand. These hook strands have a base layer with first top face and a second bottom face and two side faces. Hook elements on the strand extend from at least one face and the hook elements have engaging arms that extend at an angle of from 1 to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal extent of the strands.

Abstract: A superconducting tape is disclosed, including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate including a plurality of indicia provided on the first surface spaced apart along a length of the substrate; and a superconductor layer overlying the second surface. Also disclosed are components incorporating superconducting tapes, methods for manufacturing same, and methods for using same.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber includes a filament obtained by partially slitting an oriented PTFE film in a lengthwise direction of the film. Emboss processing is conducted linearly along the lengthwise direction of the film and like a zigzag shape or a convexo-concave shape in a width direction of the film, followed by slitting, whereby the filament includes a network structure in which single fibrils that are opened partially are arranged regularly. A PTFE short fiber is obtained by cutting the above filament and includes a branch structure. Thereby, a PTFE fiber with a small average fineness of single fibrils, a uniform fineness and a single-peak distribution with the peak at a center of fineness and with a high production yield and uniform and stable branch structure can be provided and a method for manufacturing the PTFE fiber can be provided.

Abstract: A polyester polycarbamate resin composition for use in coating compositions to produce films having improved scratch and mar characteristics. The resin composition is the reaction product of a first compound having a plurality of hydroxyl groups with a carbamate compound reactive with the hydroxyl groups of the first compound and added in an amount sufficient to form a carbamated intermediary. The carbamated intermediary has at least one primary carbamate group available for cross-linking and has unreacted hydroxyl groups. Then, a silyl compound having a terminal isocyanate group is reacted with the unreacted hydroxyl groups of the carbamated intermediary. The silyl compound also has silylalkoxy groups available for secondary cross-linking. The present invention is also directed to a method of preparing the resin composition.

Abstract: A coating composition for producing films having improved scratch and mar characteristics. The coating composition incorporates a polyester polycarbamate resin composition, a first cross-linking agent, and a cross-linkable resin to form the film. The resin composition is the reaction product of a first compound having a plurality of hydroxyl groups with a carbamate compound reactive with the hydroxyl groups of the first compound and added in an amount sufficient to form a carbamated intermediary. The carbamated intermediary has at least one primary carbamate group available for cross-linking and has unreacted hydroxyl groups. Then, a silyl compound having a terminal isocyanate group is reacted with the unreacted hydroxyl groups of the carbamated intermediary. The silyl compound also has silylalkoxy groups available for secondary cross-linking.